The Denver Broncos have firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the AFC West, even with a quiet free agency period so far. By retaining key players, they've maintained the core that led them to an impressive 14-win season in 2025, marking their first division title since 2015. They swept the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, and split the series with the Los Angeles Chargers, solidifying their dominance in the division.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have made headlines with a surprising move. They've finalized a deal to bring Justin Fields on board as a backup to Patrick Mahomes.
Fields, who just turned 27, was once a quarterback many Broncos fans hoped to see in Denver back in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, his track record has been less than stellar, with a 16-37 record as a starter and a challenging stint with the Jets last season, where he went 2-7 in nine starts.
Fields' performance against the Broncos in 2025 was particularly rough, throwing for just 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception over the season. His game against Denver saw him end up with -10 passing yards, highlighting his struggles as a passer despite his mobility.
With Mahomes recovering from a significant knee injury, Fields might see some action, which could be an advantage for the Broncos when they face the Chiefs. Kansas City’s offseason has been tumultuous, losing key players like Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson in free agency, and trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams, depleting their secondary.
The Chiefs' moves have raised eyebrows, and while the Broncos have been quiet in free agency, their rivals' questionable decisions could keep Denver in a strong position for the 2026 season. The Broncos appear poised to continue their reign in the AFC West, benefiting from stability and strategic patience.